The Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar signed an agreement with the Armed Forces of the State of Qatar. The signing ceremony which took place at VCUQ marked the beginning of the first phase of work in the design of New Uniforms for the Qatari Armed Forces.
The ceremony was attended by Colonel Abdul Aziz Mubarak Al Qubaisi, Brigadier Mubarak Mohammed Kumait Al Khayarin, Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson Dr. Saif Al Hajari and VCUQ Dean Christina Lindholm along with many dignitaries and officials from VCUQ and various representatives from all of the armed forces of Qatar.
Brigadier Mubarak Mohammed Kumait Khayarin approached VCUQ in June 2005 with the initial idea of the project. Continuous discussions have been taking place since that time between both parties leading up to the recent signing of the agreement.
The team working on this exciting project is made up of John Geldart; Project Director and Director of the VCUQ Center for Research in Design, Aida Hashim; Project Administrator, Fashion Alumnae; Noor Jassim Al Thani, Noor Ahmad Al Ansari and Graphic Design Alumna Hend Zainal who is responsible for the insignia element of the project.
Colonel Abdul Aziz Mubarak Al Qubaisi will take the role of Project Officer. He will be on site at VCUQ for the duration of the project. The purpose of his role is to maintain constant daily communication between VCUQ and the Armed Forces.
The project is currently in the research phase. The team will be using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. This will involve historical and geographical factors and using tools such as focus groups and field studies. The size and the human form of males in Qatar is also an area which needs to be considered when designing the sizes of the uniforms.
The team has begun their research by looking at existing militarily uniforms being used within the Gulf Region in terms of design, textiles and fabric. So far, the design researchers have been impressed with the Omani Military’s use of color.
VCUQ alumna Noor Ahmad Al Ansari anticipates visits to the U.A.E.,Turkey, China and England to research the eventual manufacture of the uniforms.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the designers. The young women were selected to take part in this project for specific reasons, some for the technical skills they posses, others for their marketing and public relations skills. I am more than confident that our designers are up to the challenge. This is one of our best projects so far, the outcome will have an amazing impact on the country.” said Sandra Wilkins Area Coordinator for Fashion Design.
“This is a great opportunity to show to the community our alumnae’s abilities in problem solving and in facing challenges” added Dean Christina Lindholm.
During the ceremony Christina Lindholm thanked Brigadier Al Khayarin for putting trust in VCUQ and assured him that he would not be disappointed with the results. “I am sure that I will not be disappointed.” replied the Brigadier.
The designers will be given rigid guidelines and parameters which must be respected while designing the uniform. Factors such as the National Color and camouflage can not be changed. Comfort, fit and function of the uniform are a priority consideration.
About VCUQ:
VCUQ offers specialized programs in various design professions. Students have the opportunity of earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in communication, fashion or interior design. A team of highly qualified professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional field of their choice. VCUQ regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class design conferences, and holds an annual fashion show. VCUQ is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call 0974 492- 7238.
About Qatar Foundation:
Qatar Foundation for Education houses VCUQ; it is a unique concept which has revolutionized education in the State of Qatar. It is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1995 by the Emir and Head of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The vision of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation indicates the keenness of Qatar’s leadership in encouraging education among all levels among the citizenry. The Qatar Foundation has altogether changed the face of the education sector in the State of Qatar with first-class educational programs and organizations. For more information, please visit www.qf.org.qa .
